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AUBURN, Ala. – Imagine an effective treatment for dementia or a safe way to eliminate fire ants without harming the environment or other species. These possibilities are becoming reality, thanks to students like Rhea Arya and Madeline Borchert, two of 231 talented participants from grades six through 12 who showcased their independent research projects at the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF).

With a total of 189 projects — 92 from the junior division (grades six to eight) and 97 from the senior division (grades nine to 12) — students presented their  scientific inquiries and engineering innovations to an esteemed panel of more than 170 judges at Auburn University on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

ASEF participants were winners that stemmed from one of Alabama’s four regional science and engineering fairs (Mobile, Central Alabama, North Alabama and Greater East Alabama). ASEF students represented 57 schools from 13 counties across Alabama. They competed for $16,000 in awards for the top projects in their categories and special awards given out by ASEF sponsors.

Best of Fair winner, Madeline Borchert, is a second-time ASEF participant who has learned to refine her research skills through this year’s project that identified RNA technology to target fire ants, showing promise in initial trials. "This important technology could help preserve ecosystems," Borchert said.

“I may have the greatest ideas in the world, but they don’t mean anything if no one can hear them,” Borchert said. “The science fair process provides an avenue to share my ideas to help the world.”

Senior division competitors also vied for four coveted spots to represent Alabama at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, May 10-16, 2025. ISEF is the world’s largest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, where students from more than 50 countries, regions, and territories showcase their research and compete for nearly $4 million in prizes and scholarships.

Dr. Jessica Gilpin, assistant director for the College of Sciences and Mathematics Outreach Office and ASEF state director, views ASEF as more than just a competition — it’s an opportunity to celebrate the innovation and passion of young minds in STEM.

“ASEF is a transformative opportunity to unite the brightest STEM minds and foster the next generation of leaders,” Gilpin said. “These are the ideas that will drive solutions to both today and tomorrow’s challenges.”

In addition to the inspiring research shared at ASEF, attendees had the opportunity to engage in interactive demonstrations and view captivating STEM displays during the 2 hour “STEM is Everywhere” Expo. The exhibition highlighted a large breadth of STEM fields, such as animal science, medical sciences, microbiology, geology, engineering and plant sciences, offering an exciting and educational experience for fairgoers and community members to interact with Auburn organizations, departments, industry and community groups.

Ivy Comer, principal scientist manager at APTAR CSP Technologies and Chemistry category captain at ASEF, was one of the many qualified judges at ASEF this year. “This is my second year judging at ASEF, and it is an incredible experience,” Comer said. “The science fair process is unique in that getting questioned about your science is an entirely different experience — it teaches you how to share your information with others.”

This university-wide outreach event was coordinated by College of Sciences and Mathematics Outreach, co-hosted by the Auburn University I-STEM Connectory and sponsored by numerous Colleges at Auburn and corporations, including ASEF’s platinum sponsor, Aptar CSP Technologies. Auburn University has hosted ASEF since 2021, solidifying its role as a hub for STEM education and workforce development in Alabama.